GLOBAL – For their professionalism, teamwork and dedication to public transit in their communities, BC Transit is recognizing six individuals and one team as our latest Transit SuperStars.
“The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but these people have really stepped up and it’s our pleasure to honour them as Transit SuperStars,” said Tim Croyle, Chief Operating Officer for BC Transit. “They go above and beyond every day to make a difference with customers and co-workers in their communities, and exemplify everything BC Transit stands for.”
Every year, BC Transit recognizes excellence and celebrates the Transit Superstars making a positive difference in our regional transit systems across the province. Each winner meets one or more of BC Transit’s five core values: community, customer service, innovation, teamwork and trust & respect.
Here are the latest Transit SuperStar award winners:
Central Fraser Valley Transit team – Their teamwork has helped the team at FIRST Transit overcome many challenges in the last three years and they have not wavered in their dedication to provide punctual, effective, and caring service to the communities they serve.
Colin Hoffmann – Service Delivery Manager for the Sea To Sky region – Colin was instrumental in revitalizing the Whistler Transit training program in coordination with PWTransit and BCTransit, which resulted in the system having no preventable collisions during the peak season of winter 2019/2020.
Mike Palosky – Transit Supervisor for Penticton Transit Service Ltd. – As a leader on the Penticton team, Mike has the trust and respect of all drivers. He won’t ask a driver to do anything he wouldn’t do, and he’s a good sounding board for both drivers and other supervisors to bounce their thoughts off. He has a balanced approach to problem solving and he deescalates difficult situations effectively.
Tina Pilaszkiewicz – General Manager for Lakers Go Bus Society in Williams Lake – With older or compromised drivers working in the system, Tina took on the role of transporting Covid-positive patients from rural areas and a nearby indigenous community to receive care in Williams Lake in both 2020 and 2021. She continues to lead by example, supporting her employees, community and beyond.
Rob Rubis – Driver and Transit Supervisor for Princeton & District Community Services Society – Rob has supported his fellow drivers throughout the pandemic, boosting spirits and providing a good sounding board when drivers are experiencing “Covid fatigue”. Rob has also developed many proposals to help improve the customer experience, and he’s always willing to go the extra mile. His leadership keeps the team running smoothly.
Derek Kotowski – Mechanic with First Transit in Vernon – Derek is the winner of the annual Rodi De Vuono Award for Outstanding Service. His positive attitude, drive to learn and leadership abilities made him the obvious choice for the Lead Hand, a role he took on after just six months with the organization. Derek stays on top of industry trends by completing his own research, communicating with peers, and keeping in close contact with fleet inspectors.
Bob Allen – Area Vice President for First Transit – The winner of the annual Mike Docherty Lifetime Achievement Award, Bob has spent more than 25 years in public transit. He began as a driver and has taken on many roles and responsibilities. His ability to connect with people, problem solve and customer first approach have made him a true leader and advocate for public transit.
People working in the Victoria Regional Transit System are eligible for BC Transit’s Core Value Awards, which take place annually as part of the Recognizing Excellence and Values employee recognition program.
Media contacts
BC Transit communications
250-880-1303
media@bctransit.com
